Quick info
About Cafe Helen
On Edgware Rd, Cafe Helen serves as a halal shawarma restaurant and cafe with counter service for both eating in and taking away. The mixed shawarma wrap draws regular orders alongside chicken and lamb versions, and the mixed shish platter brings chicken, lamb, rice, salad, and pickles to one plate. Falafel and fries round out the savory side, with baklawa available to finish. Mango drink, cocktail juice, and fresh lemonade are on offer alongside the food. Seating at the counter is limited to a few spots, though additional seating is available next door for those who want to sit down. Orders are placed at the counter on a walk-in basis, with no reservations taken. The cafe opens daily, covering the full week for anyone stopping by for a wrap or a platter to go.
Good to know
- ParkingFree of charge street parking · Paid street parking
- DietaryVegetarian options
Menu & Prices
113 dishes · mains £2–42- Shish Taouk (شيش طاووق)£9.00
- Kafta Kebab (كفتة)£9.50
- Falafel (فلافل)£8.50
- Batata Harra (Spicy) (بطاطا حرة)£8.50
- Mix Falafel (فلافل مشكل)£9.00
- Halloumi Cheese (جبنة حلومي)£9.00
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention mixed shawarma, chicken shawarma, mixed grill and fresh lemonade.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention mixed shawarma, chicken shawarma, mixed grill and fresh lemonade.
Customer Review Summary
Shawarma is what reviewers return for, most often the mixed shawarma wrap, with the meat described as tender, well seasoned and juicy. Close behind are the mixed grill and mixed shish platter, plus a falafel called crispy outside and flavourful inside. Fries, baklawa, fresh lemonade, a cocktail juice and a mango drink also earn mentions, and one reviewer suggests asking for the meat spicy for extra flavour. Several praise friendly, attentive staff, and one describes the team safely holding a forgotten bag overnight and greeting the owner kindly on return. Some call it a long-standing Edgware Road institution that works well for late-night meals and takeaway. The complaints are few but specific. One reviewer reports that a lamb shawarma tasted poor and was followed by stomach problems, and also found the shop not very clean. Another says the shop has only a few counter spots for sitting, and a third found service slow when the place was busy. A reviewer who takes a second wrap away each visit says it reheats well in an air-fryer the next day.
Customer Review Summary
Shawarma is what reviewers return for, most often the mixed shawarma wrap, with the meat described as tender, well seasoned and juicy. Close behind are the mixed grill and mixed shish platter, plus a falafel called crispy outside and flavourful inside. Fries, baklawa, fresh lemonade, a cocktail juice and a mango drink also earn mentions, and one reviewer suggests asking for the meat spicy for extra flavour. Several praise friendly, attentive staff, and one describes the team safely holding a forgotten bag overnight and greeting the owner kindly on return. Some call it a long-standing Edgware Road institution that works well for late-night meals and takeaway. The complaints are few but specific. One reviewer reports that a lamb shawarma tasted poor and was followed by stomach problems, and also found the shop not very clean. Another says the shop has only a few counter spots for sitting, and a third found service slow when the place was busy. A reviewer who takes a second wrap away each visit says it reheats well in an air-fryer the next day.
Featured reviews
- Iqlas Mohamed
“Great shawarma with fresh, tasty food and generous portions. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and provided excellent customer service. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!”
- A F
“Cafe Helen was a great find while I was in London. The shawarma was absolutely delicious, with tender, well-seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and plenty of flavor in every bite. It was fantastic being just a two minute walk from my hotel. I ate here almost every night during my trip to London. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I also tried the mango drink and really enjoyed it. It was cold, sweet, and refreshing, especially alongside the extra spicy shawarma. I would definitely come back the next time I am in the area.”
- H L-J
“Tasty food, good service, service with a smile. Bustling restaurant, a bit noisy from the road but enjoyable a food was quality. Had lentil soup, chicken shish taouk wrap, sparliling water and mint tea - £19.”
- Ao Sheru Dikhau
“Mohamed and Manager Zakaria gave us excellent service quick and warm tasty food. Definitely recommend.”
- MelodeeS
“The shawarma was fresh, juicy, and flavoursome, and the portions are generous for the price. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and the service is quick even when it's busy. The atmosphere has a great buzz.”
Hours
- Monday
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- Tuesday
- ,
- Wednesday
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- Thursday
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- Friday
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- Saturday
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- Sunday
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Highlights
- Great coffee
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Healthy options
- Small plates
Amenities
- Free of charge street parking
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Vegetarian options
- Casual
Show more amenities
- On-site services
- Coffee
- Late-night food
- Counter service
- Solo dining
- Toilet
- Offerings· 3
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Parking· 1
- Paid street parking
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Planning· 1
- Usually a wait
- Dining options· 2
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Atmosphere· 1
- Trendy
Location
Restaurants near Cafe Helen
- Creams Cafe Marble Arch4.63,5520.1 miWheelchair accessible
chocolate crêpe, cookie dough with ice cream, waffle
- Bursa Restaurant4.21,9640.1 mi£20–30Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
turkish breakfast spread, turkish tea, adana kebab
- Valentino London3.91820.2 miReservations
undercooked shawarma, dry plain rice, mint tea without teabags
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe HelenVegetarian options | 4.23,370 | — | £1–15 | mixed shawarma, chicken shawarma, mixed grill |
| Creams Cafe Marble ArchWheelchair accessible | 4.63,552 | 0.1 mi | — | chocolate crêpe, cookie dough with ice cream, waffle |
| Bursa RestaurantOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.21,964 | 0.1 mi | £20–30 | turkish breakfast spread, turkish tea, adana kebab |
| Valentino LondonReservations | 3.9182 | 0.2 mi | — | undercooked shawarma, dry plain rice, mint tea without teabags |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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